In July 2018, the FDA released a statement about a possible link between the development of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and grain free diets, specifically those diets containing high levels of legumes and potatoes. At this time, the FDA called upon consumers and veterinarians to self report any possible cases of DCM in dogs that were only eating grain free diets. On June 27, 2019, the FDA released a follow-up report stating that they have not found any causal link between diet and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Although they are continuing to investigate the cause of DCM, the agency believes the connection between diet and DCM is a complex scientific issue involving multiple factors. Currently, DCM impacts less than 1% of U.S. dogs, with .000007% being possibly related to diet and and others possibly caused by genetic predispositions. Read the full FDA statement. Please read our FAQ below for more information about taurine, grain free diets and DCM. We have also included links to information from veterinarians and pet food manufacturers on the subject, including this piece by Dr. Ryan Yamka, PhD, who is board certified in companion animal nutrition by the American College of Animal Sciences and a fellow with the American College of Nutrition. Dr. Yamka’s article debunks many of the rumors that have been circulating since the FDA released their statement in June. What are grain free diets? Grain Free diets refer to any pet food diet that does not contain cereal grains (wheat, corn, soy, rice, barley, oats). As dry pet food (“kibble”) requires a form of starch as a binding agent, many grain free diets contain potatoes...

November 17 – Petagogy Greensburg December 1 – Petagogy Shadyside 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Bring your pets to Petagogy for photos with Santa taken by expert local pet photographer Jessica Wasik of Bark & Gold Photography! Jessica will take a free digital photo of your pet(s) sitting on Santa’s lap and provide options for ordering prints, holiday cards and more! Pets will be seen on a first come, first served basis and must be comfortable around other animals and people. If your pet is unable to be around other animals but would still like to be photographed on Santa’s lap, please email info@petagogy.com by November 14 (Greensburg) and November 28 (Shadyside) and we will try to accommodate them. Dogs must be on leashes (no retractable leashes, please). Cats and small animals must be in...

Save 20% on teeth cleaning and dental products during the month of February! (Excluding all bones, animal parts and chews.) February is pet dental health month! Good dental health is an important part of your pet’s overall health and wellbeing. Too much plaque and tarter can erode your pet’s gums, creating pockets for bacterial infections. These infections can cause tooth and bone decay, sometimes leading to more serious health issues. Many times, bad breath is a sign of too much plaque and tarter. It’s best to help control plaque and tarter before it builds up. Although brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is optimal, we understand that some pets are unwilling to allow their humans to do it. Check out a few of our favorite dental hygiene products that help keep your pet’s teeth clean without brushing: Raw bones and chews – One of the best ways to keep your dog’s teeth healthy is by regularly giving him things to chew on like raw meaty bones, natural rawhide, bully sticks or sweet potato chews made by reputable companies like Primal, Vital Essentials, Wholesome Hide, Barkworthies, Earth Animal, Sam’s Yams and Snook’s. Regular chewing helps polish and scrape teeth as the dog crunches and gnaws. Ark Naturals’ Brushless Toothpaste – Brushless Toothpaste is a highly digestible dental chew made with breath-freshening ingredients like chlorophyll, cinnamon, vanilla and clove, and ridges that provide effective teeth scrubbing and support healthy gums. On the inside is a patented toothpaste center that provides three bacteriostats to inhibit the growth of plaque-forming bacteria and assist with bad breath, tartar and plaque build-up. Earthbath Tooth & Gum Wipes –Tooth...

Snow is here and many dogs love to play in it! But, with snow comes ice and salt, which can be both painful and harmful to dogs that come in contact with it. Make your winter outings with your dog safer and more enjoyable with these winter weather products (available at both Petagogy locations): GroundWorks Natural Icemelter – The chemicals used in traditional road salt and ice melt can cause dryness, cracking and even burns to a dog’s pads. GroundWorks is a premium fertilizer-based product designed specifically to melt ice and snow effectively, while being completely eco-friendly and pet safe. It safely works to -23°C (-9°F), melting ice and snow even in the toughest winter conditions. You should always wash and dry your dog’s paws and pads after walks to remove any ice and salt, as well as check for cracked pads or redness in between the toes. Pawz Rubber Dog Boots – These disposable-reusable boots will protect your dog’s paws from harmful and painful rock salt and icemelter. Each pack comes with twelve biodegradable rubber booties that will last many wearings; simply replace individual boots when needed. We get asked about other rubber-soled boots, but we like Pawz because they are the most natural-feeling boots your dog can wear, allowing your dog to feel the ground and providing a needed sense of stability. Musher’s Secret – A good alternative for dogs that dislike wearing boots, Musher’s Secret is a dense barrier wax that forms a breathable bond with your dog’s paws. Developed in Canada for use with sledding dogs, it provides pad and paw protection in extreme weather conditions. It’s made from a blend of...